Competencies and skills to enable effective care of severely obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery across a multi-disciplinary healthcare perspective: a systematic review

Abstract

Review question/objective The objective of this review is to synthesize the best available qualitative evidence on the perceived competencies and skills required by members of a multidisciplinary bariatric care team to provide safe, meaningful and appropriate care for severely obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Inclusion criteria Types of participants The review will focus on specialist surgical services for patients with severe and complex obesity (BMI ≥40), provided internationally within public, independent or private sectors. Study participants of interest are members of the MDT providing the specialist services. The review will initially concentrate on four key roles within the MDT; all identified as key contributors to the best possible provision of care for bariatric patients: a) specialist bariatric surgeon; b) specialist bariatric nurse; c) specialist bariatric dietitian; d) psychologist and/or psychiatrist. Where available, literature pertaining to other practitioners with the key roles listed below will be included: e) physiotherapists; f) specialist physicians; g) anesthetists; h) radiographers and radiologists. The particular competencies of the individual MDT members to be explored pertain to the specialist knowledge, skills, and understanding required in order to provide a high quality service. Phenomena of interest The phenomena of interest for the review are the competencies and skills required by multidisciplinary team members to provide care for severely obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. All types of bariatric procedures are of relevance to the review.